FibroMen

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

It's not clear why some people develop fibromyalgia. The exact cause is unknown, but it's likely a number of factors are involved.

Below are some of the main factors thought to contribute to the condition.

Abnormal pain messagesOne of the main theories is that people with fibromyalgia have developed changes in the way the central nervous system processes the pain messages carried around the body. This could be due to changes to chemicals in the nervous system.

The central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) transmits information all over your body through a network of specialised cells. Changes in the way this system works may explain why fibromyalgia results in constant feelings of, and extreme sensitivity to, pain.

Chemical imbalancesResearch has found that people with fibromyalgia have abnormally low levels of the hormones serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine in their brains.

Low levels of these hormones may be a key factor in the cause of fibromyalgia, as they are important in regulating things such as mood, appetite, sleep, behaviour and your response to stressful situations.

These hormones also play a role in processing pain messages sent by the nerves. Increasing the hormone levels with medication can disrupt these signals.

Some researchers have also suggested that changes in the levels of some other hormones may contribute to fibromyalgia, such as cortisol (a hormone released when the body is under stress).

Sleep problemsIt's possible that disturbed sleep patterns may be a cause of fibromyalgia, rather than just a symptom.

Fibromyalgia can prevent you from sleeping deeply and cause fatigue (extreme tiredness). People with the condition who sleep badly can also have higher levels of pain, suggesting that these sleep problems contribute to the other symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Genetics Research has suggested that genetics may play a small part in the development of fibromyalgia, with some people perhaps more likely than others to develop the condition because of their genes (the units of genetic material inherited from their parents).

If this is the case, a genetic predisposition (tendency) could explain why many people develop fibromyalgia after some sort of trigger.

Possible triggersFibromyalgia is often triggered by a stressful event, including physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress. Possible triggers for the condition include:

an injury

a viral infection

having an operation

the breakdown of a relationship

being in an abusive relationship

the death of a loved one

However, in some cases, fibromyalgia does not develop after any obvious trigger.

Associated conditionsThere are several other conditions that are often associated with fibromyalgia. Generally, these are rheumatic conditions (conditions affecting the joints, muscles and bones), such as:

osteoarthritis – where damage to the joints causes pain and stiffness

lupus – where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in various places in the body

rheumatoid arthritis – where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the joints, causing pain and swelling

ankylosing spondylitis – swelling and pain in the joints and tissues occurring in parts of the spine

temporomandibular disorder (TMD) – a condition that can cause pain in the jaw, cheeks, ears and temples

Conditions such as these will usually be tested during the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

The aim of this site is to raise awareness of Fibromyalgia and associated conditions in men. It is specifically aimed at, but not exclusive to, male sufferers, their carers and families affected by the syndrome.​Disclaimer: Nothing on this website is intended, nor should be taken as medical advice. Sufferers should always consult their doctor or consultant before undertaking any treatment or taking any medication including natural remedies. Cookie Policy

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